[fastraj]

I had a side wall tear after hitting a sharp pothole within two days of purchase of my new honda city Vmt shod with bridgestone tyres. My question was would the result be the same if I had upgraded to 3st on the first day.

[Alive2Drive]

Hi Friends,

I am supposed to take delivery of my Honda City I-dtec VX MT Silver this weekend or early next week. I have already planned a tyre upgrade. My car has come with stock Bridgestone B250 175/65 R15 tyres. I have planned to upgrade to 195/65 R15 Continental Premium Contact 2 Tyres.

The dealer has asked me for a difference of 8K for 5 tyres. Can anyone help and tell me if this is a good deal ?

[loving_alaap]

Originally Posted by Alive2Drive

Hi Friends,

I am supposed to take delivery of my Honda City I-dtec VX MT Silver this weekend or early next week. I have already planned a tyre upgrade. My car has come with stock Bridgestone B250 175/65 R15 tyres. I have planned to upgrade to 195/65 R15 Continental Premium Contact 2 Tyres.

The dealer has asked me for a difference of 8K for 5 tyres. Can anyone help and tell me if this is a good deal ?

Any particular reason for 195/65/R15 over widely recommend 195/60/R15.

[Alive2Drive]

Originally Posted by loving_alaap

Any particular reason for 195/65/R15 over widely recommend 195/60/R15.

Nothing too specific ! I prefer continental tyres and think 195/65 would substantially improve the GC

[jesrani]

I have booked VXMT Diesel at Vapi, Gujarat and expecting delivery October end. The SA says all VX models coming to them have been with Bridgestones. Should I change to Michelin 195/60R15? I drive every week on highway, 300kms and balance on some bad roads. Currently using Michelin 3ST on my SX4 and very happy with the tyres. Instead of upsize, can I just change to same size but in Michelin? Is 175 size very bad?

[bharatsomany]

Originally Posted by jesrani

I have booked VXMT Diesel at Vapi, Gujarat and expecting delivery October end. The SA says all VX models coming to them have been with Bridgestones. Should I change to Michelin 195/60R15? I drive every week on highway, 300kms and balance on some bad roads. Currently using Michelin 3ST on my SX4 and very happy with the tyres. Instead of upsize, can I just change to same size but in Michelin? Is 175 size very bad?

jesrani,
In my opinion, the 195 is better.
Also, if you find yourself navigating bad roads, the Honda is a known low-rider. In this case, you can get yourself 195/65R15 tyres without any need to replace the stock rims.
One of my friends has been using this setup for over 4 years without any ride height complaint or any fitment issues (no dealer/warranty issues either).
Another idea, albeit off-topic, is that I've found most people with Honda's are exceedingly happy with the Honda Assure Package (or whatever else it's called), so you might want to have a look at the options for your purchase. There might be some discounts to be had if you work it out before the car is delivered.

[AmitKumarVinay]

Originally Posted by jesrani

I have booked VXMT Diesel at Vapi, Gujarat and expecting delivery October end. The SA says all VX models coming to them have been with Bridgestones. Should I change to Michelin 195/60R15? I drive every week on highway, 300kms and balance on some bad roads. Currently using Michelin 3ST on my SX4 and very happy with the tyres. Instead of upsize, can I just change to same size but in Michelin? Is 175 size very bad?

Jesrani,

I changed my stock tyres to the Michellin Primary 3ST 196/60/R15 . I have definitely noticed a considerable difference in the drive quality and I feel a lot safer driving in the highways . Also, I haven't seen any difference or drop in the mileage. I hope this helps, my friend.

[jesrani]

Originally Posted by AmitKumarVinay

Jesrani,

I changed my stock tyres to the Michellin Primary 3ST 196/60/R15 . I have definitely noticed a considerable difference in the drive quality and I feel a lot safer driving in the highways . Also, I haven't seen any difference or drop in the mileage. I hope this helps, my friend.

Definitely helps, thanks. Am checking up with dealer on Warranty issues.

[adarsh76]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Yes it is but changing the rim size might void the warranty of your car. It might also cause problems with the ABS sensors. Better to stick with stock rim size and upgrade the tyres only.

Raven,

I recently checked with one senior service executive at Peninsular Honda, Trivandrum regarding 185/55 R16 tyres and specifically inquired about the ABS sensors.

What he said, ABS sensor is a magnet based system and it will not cause any difference even if we upgrade to the 16 inch tyres and warranty also won't be void.

I'm not sure on the technical side. These tyres are rare in India, but I may be able to get it imported from a dealer. Why I am keen towards 185/55 R16 is because this is what Honda recommends (indirectly) as these tyres are fitted for the 2014 Honda City in Malaysia and also the Owner's manual is mentioning this tyre size. Speedo error is negligible with this tyre size upgrade and a slight increase in Ground Clearance.

As of now I'm running the stock Good year tyres and planning to upgrade either after 6 months (once free services are over) or once I complete 10000 kms. As of now, I've done exactly 4000 kms.

But, is it true about the ABS sensors which the service guy told?

[RavenAvi]

Originally Posted by adarsh76

But, is it true about the ABS sensors which the service guy told?

Tyre change, yes. Rim change, no.

It is a sensor-based system which is situated alongside the brake drums, based on calibration with the rims. Changing the rims would need re-calibration of all 4 sensors and calipers inside the wheel mount for correct effectiveness.

Recommended read - http://www.toyotazone.co.za/howitwor...ng-wheel-size/

[adarsh76]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Tyre change, yes. Rim change, no.

It is a sensor-based system which is situated alongside the brake drums, based on calibration with the rims. Changing the rims would need re-calibration of all 4 sensors and calipers inside the wheel mount for correct effectiveness.

Recommended read - http://www.toyotazone.co.za/howitwor...ng-wheel-size/

Will the service centers or tyre centers be equipped to do this calibration? From the link, they're not even recommending a tyre size change if vehicle is equipped with ABS.

[bharatsomany]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Tyre change, yes. Rim change, no.

It is a sensor-based system which is situated alongside the brake drums, based on calibration with the rims. Changing the rims would need re-calibration of all 4 sensors and calipers inside the wheel mount for correct effectiveness.

Recommended read - http://www.toyotazone.co.za/howitwor...ng-wheel-size/

RavenAvi,
Seriously, this is a load of rubbish. ABS systems are designed to run in such diverse conditions that such changes do not affect their operation even in the minutest sense, atleast not when up-sizing tyres/wheels. I do agree that undersized tyres can cause this, but I am quite confident that people that are stupid enough to do so are a near non-existent minority!
Proof, you ask? Look at the tyre pressure sticker on any car from a reputed manufacturer and you will find that even the manufacturer recommends alternative sizes for the same car.
Look further and you will find highly qualified tuners and aftermarket wheel companies providing certified OEM replacement wheels which are entirely different in weight and size. Do you think they would get ETRTO, TUV, MOT or US-DOT certification if they caused the cars safety systems to fail?
Utter rubbish!

Originally Posted by adarsh76

Will the service centers or tyre centers be equipped to do this calibration? From the link, they're not even recommending a tyre size change if vehicle is equipped with ABS.

adarsh76,
No, ABS systems are not calibrated by service centres or tyre dealers. This needs specialised equipment and highly trained pros who work on designing this stuff!
Besides, you can rest assured that a wheel/tyre change will NOT affect your cars safety systems unless you've really been ignorant enough to UNDERSIZE your tyres (that is to say REDUCED the diameter).

PEACE!

[RavenAvi]

Originally Posted by adarsh76

Will the service centers or tyre centers be equipped to do this calibration? From the link, they're not even recommending a tyre size change if vehicle is equipped with ABS.

Nope. Tyre centers are not equipped with re-calibrating machines. All they can do is swap tyres, do the balancing/alignment, and send you on your way. Service Centers usually don't have such machines nor personnel to do such complicated things either.

Quite frankly, if you have gone for extended warranty as well, I wouldn't recommend it. Not only does it risk voiding company warranty, but in the hands of a tyre shop guy with limited know-how, the ABS system might end up getting damaged.

Originally Posted by bharatsomany

RavenAvi,
Seriously, this is a load of rubbish. ABS systems are designed to run in such diverse conditions that such changes do not affect their operation even in the minutest sense, atleast not when up-sizing tyres/wheels. I do agree that undersized tyres can cause this, but I am quite confident that people that are stupid enough to do so are a near non-existent minority!
Proof, you ask? Look at the tyre pressure sticker on any car from a reputed manufacturer and you will find that even the manufacturer recommends alternative sizes for the same car.
Look further and you will find highly qualified tuners and aftermarket wheel companies providing certified OEM replacement wheels which are entirely different in weight and size. Do you think they would get ETRTO, TUV, MOT or US-DOT certification if they caused the cars safety systems to fail?
Utter rubbish!

Getting a bit animated, are we?

There is a reason why car owners are encouraged to stay within a limit of circumference difference (2% or less). Bigger-sized tyres which cause deviation of more than 2% difference can cause ABS trigger-problems, specially if the sensors kick in later than usual. In extreme cases, it might end up nullifying the ABS system altogether.

I know this because one of my friends reported a complete loss of ABS a few months back when his car, a DZire ZXi, spun out of control. He was running on upsized tyres. He never felt the ABS kick in. I am guessing it did kick in, but it was pretty late. Thankfully no one was hurt.

As for the tyre pressure sticker, here's mine from my 2014 Honda City VMT i-DTEC:

Here's one from our Ritz:



One from our Swift:

Same in all 3. No other recommendations other than OEM sizes specified by the manufacturer.

Can't comment on aftermarket tuners, but if they provide certified OEM replacement wheels, shouldn't they be of the same size and weight?

Originally Posted by bharatsomany

Besides, you can rest assured that a wheel/tyre change will NOT affect your cars safety systems unless you've really been ignorant enough to UNDERSIZE your tyres (that is to say REDUCED the diameter)

So that means, increasing the diameter by any sort, size, type, profile or width will not mess with the safety systems such as ABS, etc.? Let me try on 245-sections on my 185-sized Swift then, once my warranty period expires. Will report back.

[bharatsomany]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Not only does it risk voiding company warranty, but in the hands of a tyre shop guy with limited know-how, the ABS system might end up getting damaged.

I would have to disagree, it would take a really crazy guy at a tyre shop to actually damage anything.

Getting a bit animated, are we?

No offence intended, friend.

There is a reason why car owners are encouraged to stay within a limit of circumference difference (2% or less). Bigger-sized tyres which cause deviation of more than 2% difference can cause ABS trigger-problems, specially if the sensors kick in later than usual. In extreme cases, it might end up nullifying the ABS system altogether.

That is a generalised rule simply to avoid any rubbing/scraping issues. As for the ABS kicking in later, that is actually a good thing, it just means the tires can take more force before they skid/lock-up. The intent of the ABS is simply to prevent a complete lockup to get the best possible braking while still keeping some steering control over the car (even under very heavy braking).

I know this because one of my friends reported a complete loss of ABS a few months back when his car, a DZire ZXi, spun out of control. He was running on upsized tyres. He never felt the ABS kick in. I am guessing it did kick in, but it was pretty late. Thankfully no one was hurt.

There are likely a million reasons for anything to fail. Not knowing what exactly happened, I cannot say much except that incorrect inflation pressure causes a lot more problems than the upsizes we are discussing. Also, it is a common misnomer that an ABS will prevent any and all skidding. This is entirely inaccurate. Have a look at the picture below showing tyre marks made when coming to a hard stop with ABS.

As for the tyre pressure sticker, here's mine from my 2014 Honda City VMT i-DTEC:

Here's one from our Ritz:

One from our Swift:

Same in all 3. No other recommendations other than OEM sizes specified by the manufacturer.

Here is an option list of wheel and tyre combinations sourced directly from BMW for the 5 Series GT:



Do you really believe the manufacturer would sell these options if they would risk the failure of the safety systems of a car? Needless to add that it is not only improbable but impossible for the weights of every combination to be the same or even close.

Can't comment on aftermarket tuners, but if they provide certified OEM replacement wheels, shouldn't they be of the same size and weight?

Well, the whole point of racing wheels such as OZ, BBS, Enkei, Rays, TSW, etc. is their higher rigidity and lower weight, besides nearly always being wider than the OEM wheels in the same diameter.

Another tidbit: Abt sells 8.5x19 wheels for the likes of an Octavia WITH a TUV certification.

So that means, increasing the diameter by any sort, size, type, profile or width will not mess with the safety systems such as ABS, etc.? Let me try on 245-sections on my 185-sized Swift then, once my warranty period expires. Will report back.

Correct, it will not mess with the safety systems but equal importance has to be given to any scraping or mechanical issues. I would not suggest 245 width tyres for a dZire because they simply will not fit. I do have an old dZire (with the large boot) running 205/55R16 tyres on 7x16 OZ Michelangelo 8 wheels.

[adarsh76]

Guys, I was just looking this thing below. And found the 16 inch tires close to the stock tires in circumference difference as well as speed: